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FEBRUARY 5 - 18, 2013 ––––––––––––––
communitynewspapers.com
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Village Hall’s first retirements bring in new finance staffers BY GARY ALAN RUSE
almetto Bay, which has been incorporated for only 10 years, recently had its first ever staff retirements, both in the Finance Department, with new people joining the team. Marti Brasovan, who had been with the village for nine years, retired in November and Dorothy Henderson retired in December. Both retirees were honored at a village council meeting on Dec. 3, 2012. “As Palmetto Bay’s first retiree, after nine years in the Finance Department, I’m taking a brief moment just to enjoy my new found freedom,” Brasovan said during an interview on Jan. 23. “However, that moment will be brief because I have created an exciting new business. I am a Life Purpose Consultant and I have been studying Scientific Hand Analysis and reading hands for two years.” Besides being a Certified Hand Analyst and advising people about business and relationship success, Brasovan is a member of the Florida Speakers Association and speaks about “Investing in Yourself.” “I’m running full steam ahead,”
‘Winter’ comes to village as youngsters enjoy ‘Snow Day’
(Photo by All Star Event Photography.)
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RETIREMENTS, page 6
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BY SHEILA STIEGLITZ
Luke Hatem (foreground) slides down the hill at the annual 3C’s Preschool Snow Day at Christ Congregational Church.
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BY GARY ALAN RUSE
Pictured (l-r) are Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, Marti Brasovan and Dorothy Henderson at the ceremony honoring their retirement.
Deering Estate Festival of the Arts: A celebration of all things artistic
almetto Bay youngsters at the 3C’s Preschool of Christ Congregational Church got to do something on Jan. 18 that children rarely do in South Florida’s warm climate — enjoy a “Snow Day” with sledding and winter clothes. Roughly 13 tons of “snow,” or shaved ice, was dumped on the campus at 14920 SW 67 Ave. to give the kids the thrill of sliding down a snow-covered hill on small sleds and snowboards. There even was hot chocolate with marshmallows to make the
(Photo by Bill Kress)
simulated winter setting complete. School director Adriana Black said that the annual event takes a lot of work by everyone there. “It’s because of the efforts of our parents during our fall festival in November, and as a result of that fundraiser, we are able to pull together the funds to create the snow for our ‘Snow Day,’” Black said. “Some of the kids have actually seen snow before, but it’s fun to get them out there in their ski clothes. Some of them
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SNOW DAY, page 6
romantic moonlit Valentine’s concert begins the Deering Estate Festival of the Arts, a 10-day celebration of literary, visual and performing artsw at the historic estate. A variety of events and programs are scheduled from Feb. 14 through Feb. 24. A curated exhibition “Speak Now,” places artistic interjections throughout the grounds, one-night only art events, classical and chamber ensemble concerts, a Curator’s Tour, and a spectacular closing Red Carpet Wrap-Up are just some of the cultural experiences to be offered. Guests can enjoy an “All Access Pass” for $75. A limited number of these passes are available and only can be purchased online. Individual event tickets can be purchased online; by phone at 305-235-1668, ext. 233, or at the event.
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FESTIVAL, page 6
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Westminster Christian School students pack meals for needy
More than 200 Westminster Christian School students and faculty packed meals for needy families in Haiti and Nicaragua with “Feed My Starving Children,” a non-profit Christian organization that provides meals for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries. During the two-hour event, more than 200,000 meals were packed. The special weekend event sent more than 2 million meals to those in need. Pictured (l-r) are WCS freshmen Ashley Diaz, Kevin Rodriguez, Gracie Chewning, Samantha Forjan, Lily Manoogian and Lauren Dirube.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
Commissioner Lynda Bell installed as vice chair of Miami-Dade Commission BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ
In a moving ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and residents, Commissioner Lynda Bell was sworn in formally as vice chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission by Miami-Dade County Court Judge, the Hon. Gladys Perez. The ceremony was attended by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who administered the oath of office to commission chair Rebeca Sosa, the first Hispanic chair of the board, as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who delivered welcoming remarks. During her speech, Bell thanked Sosa for nominating her as vice chair in November of 2012 and expressed her appreciation to her colleagues for their vote of confidence in her leadership for this new role. Bell pledged to continue to nurture and further a new era of mutual cooperation and respect between her colleagues and the work they perform on behalf of the people they represent which had been lacking prior to her election as a county commissioner in 2010. Finally, she addressed her constituents by promising to “continue my long-standing
Commissioner Lynda Bell, surrounded by family and friends, is sworn in formally as vice chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission by County Court Judge Gladys Perez. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
tradition of lending my office to anyone in need who seeks my assistance, and to continue to uphold only the highest standards of excellence in public service that they have come to expect and so richly deserve.” Among her many accomplishments during her first two years in office, Bell was able to work with her colleagues to make government more transparent, accountable and more responsive to the needs, as well
as striving to create the necessary economic environment for small businesses, the backbone of local and national economies to thrive. She made it possible for county residents to examine the annual proposed budget via the Internet. Commissioner Bell worked with Commissioner Sosa to change the county charter to include term limits for all county commissioners, as well as place significant
limits on the way registered lobbyists conduct business with the county. Bell worked closely with Mayor Gimenez on a number of critically important projects and initiatives, including the transferring of some county services back to remote regions of the county, making it easier for residents to access government services. The implementation of physical, one-stop, information and processing center designed to help entrepreneurs through the process of opening new businesses, and creating much needed jobs for all residents. Finally, recognizing the need for more affordable housing for senior residents, Bell was successful in securing funding for the construction of a 101-unit, four story LEED Certified Building that will serve the housing needs of her district’s elderly population. Commission Chair Sosa appointed Vice Chair Bell to chair the Economic Development and PortMiami Committee which oversees all matters pertaining to the seaport and dedicating itself to supporting job creation and advancing the economic growth of Miami-Dade County. Bell also was named to the prestigious Health and Social Services and the Land Use and Development Committees of the MiamiDade County Commission.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
Forget politics, vote for your favorite local business! Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Folks, if you have a favorite place to eat, shop or do recreational things in your area, Channel 10 TV is giving you a chance to cast your votes in their “Top Ten” survey now under way. If you go to <http://vote.local10.com/> you may cast up to one vote in each business category during each day of the open voting period. The voting ends on March 10th. What’s currently in the running? Places like Harvey’s Smokehouse BBQ and the Black Point Marina in Cutler Bay, local hobby stores like Hollywood Station, and various martial arts schools. In the Palmetto Bay area the Red Robin Gourmet Hamburger chain is getting votes, as is the Antique Mall, Y’all store and other places. And if you don’t see your favorite place in the list, you can nominate it. So go to Channel 10’s webpage and check out the categories and let your opinion be heard.
TGIF? We hear from Maggie Anzardo that something new is coming to Southland Mall that should give you another reason to look forward to the end of the week. “Festive Fridays” will take place every Friday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with entertaining cultural performances and activities organized by local schools and organizations. To kick off this new weekly event series, the Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts will present special student performances inside Southland Mall’s Center Court with the official launch of “Festive Fridays” on February 8th. There will be a live performance by their magnet program’s orchestra and jazz band followed by a group of “Spoken Word” performers. Mall patrons will have the opportunity to learn about the multidisciplined visual and performing arts program offered at the Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts while enjoying a preview of their most prominent student performers. “We hope this will promote an appreciation for culture and arts within our community while promoting some of our best local talent,” said Maggie Anzardo, Marketing Director for Southland Mall.
Palmetto Bay News
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PUBLISHER ................................................................................................................................... Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR ......................................................................................................................Michael Miller EDITOR................................................................................................................................... David Berkowitz WRITERS, COLUMNISTS............................................................... Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton, Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager
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LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT.................................................................................................................... Isabel Vavrek
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PUBLISHER EMERITUS.......................................................................................................................................... Ron Miller
Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa Locka News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.
”Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy these free events every Friday and start off their weekend with a pop of culture.” “Festive Fridays” are free events that will be open to the public. Southland Mall is located at S. Dixie Highway and S.W. 205th Street. Batter up? Carolina Perrina tells us that the Marlins Foundation is requesting proposals for the 2013 Charity Partner Empowerment Fund. To be considered as a 2013 Marlins Charity Partner, organizations must provide direct and unique programming for youth through educational, arts and baseball related programming, more specifically by providing unique experiences for kids in schools, parks and on the water. “During the Inaugural Year at Marlins Park, the Marlins Foundation invested over $1.2 MM in philanthropy in South Florida. In addition, over 6,000 hours of volunteer service was done through Marlins Ayudan. To continue our commitment to corporate and social responsibility, and in recognition of the vital role non-profits play in South Florida, the Marlins Foundation will select four 2013 Charity Partners to empower with a $25,000 donation and sea-
son long benefits.” said Miami Marlins President, David Samson. “Additional benefits include volunteers from Marlins Ayudan, recognition throughout the season at Marlins Park, exposure with media partners and player involvement.” Pre-Proposals are due (online) by Friday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. Notification and invitation to full proposal: Thursday, February 21. Full Proposal due (by invitation only): Friday, March 15 by 5:00 p.m. The 2013 Charity Partners will be announced on opening night at Marlins Park on Monday, April 8th. For information on how to apply, please visit <www.marlins.com/charitypartners>. Thought of the Day: Anyone without a sense of humor is at the mercy of everyone else. — William Rotsler Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column. Got any tips? Contact me at 305-6697355, ext. 249, or send emails to <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
SNOW DAY, from page 1
RETIREMENTS, from page 1
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New faces of the village’s Finance Department are (l-r) accountant Litsy Pittser, senior accountant Donna Latchman and accounting clerk Idalmy Vidaurre. (Photo by Bill Kress, Village PIO.)
Brasovan said. “There is life after retirement!” New employees joining the village’s Finance Department are Litsy Pittser, accountant; Idalmy Vidaurre, accounting clerk, and Donna Latchman, senior accountant. Latchman is the newest staffer. She started as senior accountant on Jan. 22. She previously worked as an accountant at the Children’s Trust for one year and at the Village of Pinecrest for six years. “I’m very excited to be here,” Latchman said. “This seems to be a very vibrant community. I’m thinking that, aside from the accounting work, there will be lots of fun things to do here, so I’m really looking forward to that. “I have some supervisory duties, and I’m sort of bridging the gap between the finance director and the rest of the village in terms of the small financial aspects that he doesn’t need to be bothered about and that someone can assist him with, since he has a very demanding workload.” Vidaurre joined the village as an accounting clerk on Dec. 3, 2012, after doing financial work at Eastern Airlines and Carnival Cruise Lines. She has lived in the area most of her life and likes the change. “I’m very happy here,” Vidaurre said. “I like it. I do a lot of volunteer work at different retreats and things through my parish. In the corporate world there was more hustle
February 5 - 18, 2013
and bustle and we had closings every month. Here we have closings once a year.” Among her duties, Vidaurre processes the daily cash that comes in from the village parks, such as tennis court fees and facility rental costs, stormwater utilities management and false alarm fees. “Right now we have 3,200 registrants that we’ve sent out renewals for burglar alarm registration,” Vidaurre said. “Many of them are coming in right now. I like the idea of meeting the people. They come to bring in the registration forms. It’s nice to meet the residents face to face and know who everybody is. Dorothy told that she’s known certain people through the years, and I hope that’s going to be my case, too.” Pittser, who started with the village on Feb. 21 2012, previously was the controller of a printing company in the Doral area for 13 years and worked for nine years at a CPA firm in Coral Gables. “I wanted a fresh start and this place is really wonderful,” Pittser said. “I have very good co-workers with me. I like the fact that we do a lot of things for the community. “When I started last year I went to the ladybug release at the Montessori School and it was very nice. It was very hands on with the community. I’m looking forward to attending the annual picnic of the community. It’s fun to meet everyone.”
PALMETTO BAY JUMPS
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have never had that experience to make a snowball and toss it to their friends here in South Florida, so it’s an exciting event for those students.” The snowy area was created near the entrance to the school, alongside the street. The trucks arrived about 7:50 a.m. and by 8:15 a.m. the snow was on the ground, ready to go. “We’ve been doing it there for years,” Black said. “It’s a natural hill, so the snow just falls into place. It’s a conglomerate of people who put it together — the teachers promote it and the parents come out and participate, helping as volunteers to supervise
FESTIVAL, from page 1
and to play with their children. I came out and made some hot chocolate with marshmallows and cookies, and that was fun for them as well.” Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk also attended the event, dressed warmly for the occasion. Black said they were grateful for all the help. “The school greatly appreciates the volunteers, the families and the parents who come out and support our school, particularly on days like these,” she said. “We probably had 30 parents, so there was almost an equal amount of adults as children.” The “Snow Day” likely will be repeated and the preschool is open for registration for next year.
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The invitational show “Speak Now” opens on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 10 p..m., and features artists from the Deering Estate Artist in Residence Program, Fountainhead Residency and Studios, and invited exhibitors. The title, “Speak Now,” alludes to the urgent need to communicate with and be understood by others, and to the relationship between literary and visual arts as support structures for expressions of thought. Curator Ralph Provisero encourages the viewer to discover and develop dialogues between the space and artists with works placed around the estate. There are pieces that confront the viewer; some works are on the peripheries of view, while others are hidden in plain sight. Opening night highlights include spontaneous poetry readings by the fire circle, and performance pieces that engage visitors to listen or travel around the site. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. A walk and talk Curator’s Tour precedes the opening at 4:30 p.m. and provides insight to the concept, creation and selection of works for the exhibition. Bill Belleville, environmental writer and filmmaker, presents “Salvaging the Real Florida: Lost and Found in the State of Dreams,” on Wednesday, Feb. 20, as the featured speaker for “Icon of a Moment.” The Icon, the late John Kunkel Small, was a botanist who lived in the estate’s Richmond Cottage in the early 1900s, and used it as a base for his explorations through the hammock and the Everglades. For over a decade, Kunkel Small documented the development and destruction of Florida. Author Bill Belleville wrote the introduction Kunkel Small’s updated edition of From Eden to Sahara — Florida’s Tragedy which parallels his own travel, study and writings on the regions rich flora and fauna. For the budding botanist, artist and musician, ages 4-14, there are several events scheduled. On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, is “Field Study Books” at Book Nook by the Bay, where kids explore and draw plant-life and outdoor art installations from
the “Speak Now” exhibit. Also in partnership with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony there is a Piano Master Class and on Feb. 23 a Concerto Competition that showcases South Florida’s best young musicians. For fans of chamber music, the Living Artist Concert Series presents “Dreams of Biscayne Bay”, on Friday, Feb. 22, with guest composer Roberto Sierra. Intimately set in the ballroom of the historic Stone House, the Deering Estate’s Chamber Ensemble highlights the works of Schubert, Touzet, Valdes and Brahms. The smashing Red Carpet Wrap-Up ends the festival on Sunday, Feb. 24, with a blend of broadcast and live entertainment hosted by Teddy Behr (David Rohn) and Adora (Danilo de la Torre). With real-time feed from the Kodak Theater in LA, the actual Oscar ceremony and red carpet will be broadcast and projected on large screens, while Teddy and Adora offer erudite commentary on the fashion choices, questionable results and all manner of madness surrounding Hollywood’s most glamorous event. Adding to the sparkle is the estate’s very own red carpet, staged on the historic main entrance. Guests are encouraged to dress up, whether as historic Hollywood actors or one’s own version of red carpet attire. The Deering Estate Festival of the Arts provides cultural engagement for all ages, offering literary, musical and artistic experiences for youngsters, to presenting a worldclass exhibition, concerts and informative lectures for the most sophisticated patron. For more information on the Deering Estate Festival of the Arts, a complete schedule of events and tickets, call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668, ext. 233, or visit online at <www.deeringestate.org>. The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave.. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Social Security: Entitlement or prepaid retirement benefit? R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Are Social Security benefits a gift to the retired from the taxpayers of America? Or is Social Security a retirement plan that we subscribed to and made monthly payments while we worked anticipating that some day, when we retire, we would receive a monthly benefit? What happened to the money taken from my paycheck every payday all those long years I worked starting as a bag boy at Safeway Grocery Stores in Washington, DC, as a young boy in high school? The money was deposited in the Social Security Trust Fund. How much is in the trust fund? Today it should be $2.6 trillion. That’s not a million dollars, not a billion dollars; it’s a trillion. That’s simple enough. Just take my next month’s Social Security installment out of the trust fund and deposit it in my bank account. And, just think how lucky we are — $2.6 trillion earning dividends. Why, even if just invested in
Treasuries the monthly growth must be in the multi-millions. Right? Wrong! Why do I say “wrong?” Because there is a trust, but it just doesn’t have any money in it. Why? Because the federal government has borrowed the money and given the trust an IOU. In other words our federal government owes our Social Security Trust Fund $2.6 trillion. Forget the lost interest. So, you see Social Security is self-funding and off budget. It’s only “on budget” because it is a federal debt. In other words the money paid out to Social Security beneficiaries is not the obligation of the federal government and paid through the budget, which is funded by taxpayer income tax payments and Treasury borrowing. We are just getting back the money we contributed all these years. I’ll bet, if we were collecting interest all these years, we wouldn’t be short of funds to meet our obligations, we would have a surplus in the trust account. But, why even think about it. There is no way the federal Treasury could ever pay back the money it has borrowed all these years to fund the operations of our federal government. So, here is our problem, now in 2013. We have too many seniors in retirement and not enough working Americans making payday contributions to Social Security to meet the money needed to pay us old timers who are
• • • VIEWPOINT • • • living much longer than expected. If we can’t go to the Treasury and say “pay back the $2.6 trillion you borrowed” we better make adjustments to the current program to remain solvent, or better said, become solvent. We must become entirely self-financing or again better said, self-sufficient. Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, onetime Republican candidate for the presidency, said on Meet the Press, Jan. 23, 2011: “We could resolve the Social Security question on the back of a matchbook.” And he is correct. This is what must be done: Increase Social Security taxes. In other words pay more now so there will be something there when you retire. Increase the salary cap for the collection of Social Security contributions. If we can pay 4.6 percent of our paycheck when we earn up to $106,800 a year we could certainly make contributions up to say $250,000 a year. Make an adjustment to the amount of money Social Security beneficiaries receive. Raise the retirement age. In 1935, when Social Security was created it was anticipat-
ed that the life expectancy for the average American was 67.1 years. Today it is 77.5. Common sense says we are working longer and the need, except for the disabled, to retire should be later than 62. I do not have the ability to make the adjustment calculations to meet the four modifications I cited above but once made Social Security would no longer be a federal budgetary consideration. We would be selfsufficient, self-financing and no longer a problem for the White House and the Democrats and Republicans in the Congress. It will take a little more space than the back of a matchbook to resolve. But you are certainly correct, Sen. McCain, it is solvable. We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
10 Social Media Marketing Mistakes to Avoid By Misty Buck Love it or hate it, social media is essential in todayʼs business world and brings with it infinite opportunities to either build relationships or drive people away. The truth is, social media marketing is still fairly new and most people, despite their best intentions, still donʼt get it. Want to be a social media star? Check out this list of 10 social media marketing mistakes to avoid: Posting before "thinking" - When you post in a hurry or carelessly, the wording may inadvertently have completely different meaning. Worse yet is posting angry rants, which can really turn people off. This goes for both brands and personal accounts. Take a step back, breathe, and think. Direct messages to new contacts – Sending a private message to a new contact can be great, but self-promotional messages might backfire. If you really want someoneʼs attention, send him or her a personal note. Synching all accounts - Different networks equal different contexts. For instance, Facebook posts automatically sent to Twitter are usually over 140 characters and the message gets cut off. You also miss out on hashtags and tagging other users, an important part of building relationships. Poor grammar - Reread before you click share and brush up on basic grammar. For example, itʼs “sneak peek” not “sneak peak.” I keep a reference book close by at all times just in case I need a refresher.
Friend requests by unknown people - Identify yourself and your reason for connecting with a personal message. If I donʼt know you or if it sounds like a sales pitch, youʼre getting ignored or marked as spam. Incorrectly using hashtags – #Annoying. Hashtags are being used more across all networks as they have become popular, but did you know that they only serve a function on a few sites? Hereʼs a hint: They donʼt work on Facebook. Clicking on or sharing spam links - Beware clicking on or sharing spam links. You can hover over the link to view the source. If youʼre still not sure, use a URL expander service like http://wheredoesthislinkgo.com/. Ignoring comments – Acknowledge all comments and messages. Certainly donʼt ignore or delete negative comments. Address the issue and turn it into a positive customer service experience Stale accounts – Having an account on a social network means nothing if youʼre not actively using it. Accounts with outdated posts and incomplete profiles are great ways to look like you either donʼt know what youʼre doing or you simply donʼt care. Talking at people and not with them – Whatʼs in it for them? Think about what grabs your attention on social networks and then think about what keeps it there. Ask questions. Get creative. Be personal. Misty Buck is the president of Miss Ink, LLC, a public relations firm specializing in social media marketing. Misty also teaches workshops and seminars on best social media marketing practices. For more information, contact Misty at misty@missink.com or visit miss-ink.com.
February 5 - 18, 2013
Consumers suffer from backlash of holiday bill
Al Sunshine CBS MONEY WATCH Retailers agree that this past holiday shopping season was better than the previous year. However, as the U.S. economy improved, the influx of post-holiday bills also may be a lot worse than past years. The main question for a lot of consumers now is: “How can you pay them off as painlessly as possible?” Howard Dworkin of Consolidated Credit confirms that a few years ago most people stopped using their credit cards, but this season he says, “Boy, they spent like banshees.” According to the National Retail Federation, 2012 holiday spending went up about 10 percent from the previous year to the tune of $28 billion and unless you paid cash all those bills are coming due soon. “Unfortunately, now it’s time to pay the piper,” Dworkin said. Doral’s Vivian Elesppe already is trying to figure out how to pay off her growing holiday bills, “I have to readjust; pay a little less; find a way to budget better, and cut costs somewhere,” she said. What’s making it even harder? Like everyone else, her take home pay is less than last year’s because of higher payroll taxes. So how do we cut costs and pay off the credit cards? Coral Gables financial planner Lane Jones of Evensky & Katz said it may make sense temporarily to reduce savings plans and use the extra take-home pay to accelerate paying off high credit card debt.
“You can always evaluate what you’re deducting into your 401k,” Jones suggested. “I always hate to tell people to cut back their savings, but that’s one way to do it.” Need some more ideas? Go through your bills and cut back all unnecessary expenses — like dining out or all those premium cable channels you may never watch. Check your credit cards and pay off the highest interest rates first. Try to use cash rather than credit as much as possible, and don’t get trapped into thinking you can just make the minimum payments. “If you want to be in debt the rest of your life, just pay the recommended payments,” Dworkin warns, “If you do, you’ll never get out of debt. It could take you 10 to 25 years.” Home mortgages are at all-time low rates. If you can refinance and save money on your monthly payments, the extra cash can go towards paying off holiday bills. Need one last idea? Now is a great time to start a so-called “Christmas Club” savings account for the 2013 holiday season. Want some more budget strategies? Just check out this link from the Federal Trade Commission on “66 Ways to Save Money.” Visit <www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0163-66-ways-save-money>. Or check these links for more Home Budgeting Help: <www.bankrate.com/calculators/smart-spending/home-budgetplan-calculator.aspx> or <www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/moneymatters/managing-your-budget.shtml>. Watch Al Sunshine’s “Money Watch” reports Monday-Friday on CBS4. You may find Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/category/blogs/al-sunshine>.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Community tribute set for Feb. 12 to honor Gulliver’s Marian Krutulis BY JEANMARIE FERRARA
The Krutulis family invites the community to attend a “Celebration of Life” ceremony for the late Marian C. Krutulis, founder of Gulliver Schools, who passed away on Jan. 26 at the age of 89. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Dr. in Coral Gables. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Krutulis family requests that contributions be made to the Joseph A. and Marian C. Krutulis Memorial Endowment Fund. This endowment fund was established by the Krutulis family and past parents to support students that qualify for financial aid. Donations may be made online at <www.gulliverschools.org>, by mailing a check along with a donation form (or simply write gift designation in the memo section of the check) and mail to: Gulliver Schools Advancement Office, 1500 San Remo Ave., Suite 420, Coral Gables, FL 33146, or by calling the Advancement Office at 786-709-4081.
Marian C. Krutulis –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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February 5 - 18, 2013
‘Read to Learn Initiative’ targets children reading below grade level BY GARY ALAN RUSE
The Southern Regional Literacy Community Planning Meeting took place on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the South MiamiDade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Sponsored by The Children’s Trust “Read to Learn Initiative,” the purpose of the meeting was to inform community leaders, parents and others about an urgent problem in the community. Too many children are reading well below their grade level. “Read to Learn” is a communitywide initiative with the goal that all children read at or above grade level by the third grade. Emily Cardenas of The Children’s Trust said that there have been additional meetings in Homestead at the Philcol Williams Community Center, Little Haiti Cultural Center, Joseph Caleb Center, Overtown Youth Center and Betty Ferguson Recreational Complex, with more to follow. “As for the Cutler Bay meeting, I would say it was a good first step in building a coalition of residents who could help launch a neighborhood-based movement to improve grade-level reading in their community,” Cardenas said. “There were parents, retired teachers, local librarians, and after-school
programs at the table. Church leaders were suggested as people who were sorely needed to join future dialogues. In the coming weeks, The Children’s Trust will help bring more people from the South Miami-Dade area together again to eventually turn conversation into action at the grassroots level.” According to The Children’s Trust, the three major reasons why children are not reading at grade level are: summer learning loss, poor school attendance and inadequate pre-school readiness. They estimate that 88 percent of the children who never graduate from high school were poor third grade readers, and that high school dropouts earn less than half of college graduates. Sue Loyzelle, Cutler Bay Seat 2 councilmember, attended the meeting and said that the information given them was that only 53 percent of students countywide are reading at grade level by the third grade, and that in the south end of the county the number is only 26 percent. “Some of the attendees included community representatives such as myself,” Loyzelle said. “There were Miami-Dade Public Library representatives from the South Dade Library and Palmetto Bay Library, the Girl Scouts, local school teachers, faith based representatives, local CBOs
Pictured are some of those attending the meeting at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
and the staff from The Children’s Trust.” The Read To Learn Book Club is a free, monthly book club for all 3-year-olds in Miami-Dade County, funded and administered by The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership and Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe.
All children are eligible on their third birthday to receive a free book each month, delivered to their home. For more information visit <www.thechildrenstrust.org/read-to-learn-book-club> or contact Emily Cardenas at <emily@thechildrenstrust.org>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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KRMC Trauma Center challenged by Jackson Health BY RICHARD YAGER
Determined to retain its recently approved trauma center, Kendall Regional Medical Center is rallying public and professional support in the face of a legal challenge from Jackson Health System, which operates the Ryder Trauma Center. In a competitive climate to maintain revenue streams, Jackson Health filed two petitions with the State of Florida in early January to revoke the KRMC operations license, declaring it was illegally granted. The hospital attorneys have asked for hearings after an administrative law judge was reported to find Florida Department of Health rules invalid for certifications in November 2011, the same month KRMC opened its new trauma center. Opened Nov. 19, 2011, the West Kendall facility is credited with assisting “more than 2,550 critically injured patients” by a full
Dr. Mark G. McKenney is chief of trauma surgery at KRMC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
page advertisement published in The Miami Herald on Jan. 25 after a Jan. 18 Herald story headlined the legal action, based on a News Service of Florida report of Jan. 15. Both reports noted how hospitals strive to maintain trauma centers as revenue sources, particularly in highly urbanized areas where fire rescue departments operate in crises without regard to patient insurance costs and coverage. “In some areas where there is greater demand, like Miami, some hospitals are now actively trying to prevent more trauma centers,” observed Tony Fransetta, president of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, a non-profit representing 200,000 retirees. He added, “Time plays a critical factor during traumatic events. In Florida, the state’s goal is to have a hospital trauma unit with trained staff, the best equipment and proven techniques within each of its socalled 19 designated Trauma Service Areas.” Potential revisions in the state trauma system were under study Feb. 2-5 in Tallahassee by members of the American College of Surgeons, which is conducting an independent review of Florida’s existing regulatory code managed by the Florida State Department of Health. Dr. Mark G. McKenney, chief of trauma surgery, heads the KRMC center following experience at Jackson’s Ryder Trauma Center for over 20 years where he served as chief of trauma surgery and the center’s medical director McKenney believes that Miami-Dade County has been “underserved for years in care for trauma cases,” noting that before KRMC opened its unit, “transportation from southwestern parts of Miami-Dade County cost patients critical time.” As a provisional Level II trauma center, the KRMC unit’s primary focus is to provide optimal care by a multidisciplinary trauma team that includes pre-hospital personnel, trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, specialist consult physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff, according to Peter Jude, KRMC spokesperson.
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The trauma center differs from a typical emergency department in that it is equipped to provide specialized, comprehensive emergency medical services to patients suffering traumatic injuries, he said. A key component is having a trauma surgeon at the patient’s bedside within minutes after notification of the arrival of a patient judged to be in need of rapid assessment of
injuries, a critical factor in successful treatment, he said. A Level II center is required to be open 24 hours but specialists are “on call” rather than stationed at the facility. Trauma teams assess seriousness of patient injuries to relay the care needed even before transporting the most seriously injured to a trauma center like Kendall Regional, Jude explained.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
MDCPS joins other urban districts to raise food quality, lower costs BY ELIZABETH ADAMS
The largest school districts in the U.S., including Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), recently announced that for the first time they have banded together to share best practices and to build a coalition to drive food costs down and quality up, ultimately giving students healthy options for school meals. The districts have formed the Urban School Food Alliance, which includes the school districts of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami-Dade as well as those in Dallas and Orlando. The group, which procures more than $530 million in food and food supplies annually, aims to use its purchasing power to help drive down costs of food and supplies, and to have vendors reformulate menu items to ensure that students continue to receive delicious and nutritious meals daily that exceed USDA guidelines. The school districts in the alliance served more than 460 million meals during the 2011-12 school year. That is 2,565,500 meals daily. “Forming such a partnership is unprecedented,” said Rick Boull’t, chief operating officer at the Los Angeles Unified School District. “It’s an honor to be a part of an
alliance that wants to move the needle when it comes to improving school food, while implementing eco-friendly practices.” The Urban School Food Alliance first met in summer 2012 in Denver and has met regularly since by tele-conference before the inperson meeting in Miami. The food services directors from each of the school districts share and review menu items to ensure that they provide access to meals that meet the following nutrient recommendations: whole grain products, low fat dairy, fresh produce and lean protein that when prepared are calorie conscious, and low in fat, sugar and sodium. In addition to creating a purchasing powerhouse, the coalition is working to be more ecological by looking for alternatives to polystyrene trays. “We want to give a national voice to a healthier meal program where costs are contained,” said Eric Goldstein, CEO of School Support Services for the New York City Department of Education, who spearheaded this alliance. “Our urban school districts face unique challenges and we need to find innovative ways to meet them.” To show solidarity in providing healthy meals, the Urban School Food Alliance will be serving the same lunch at all six school districts on Wednesday, Mar. 20. The menu
Food services representatives from the school districts of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami-Dade, Dallas and Orlando gather for the announcement. Pictured (l-r) are Carol Chong, Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Penny Parham, Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Brad Trudeau, Dallas Independent School District; Laura Gillbert, Orange County Public Schools; Dora Rivas, Dallas Independent School District; Leslie Fowler, Chicago Public Schools; Stephen O’Brien, New York City Department of Education; Armando Taddei, New York City Department of Education; David Binkle, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Dennis Barrett, former director of Food Services, Los Angeles Unified School District. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
includes savory roasted chicken, brown rice with seasoned black or red beans, steamed green broccoli, fresh seasonal fruit and milk. In recent years, the school districts have implemented innovative ways to provide access to school meals including expanded options for reaching more students with breakfast on campus as well as supper after school in order to meet the needs of students. In some of the districts, close to 90 percent of the student body qualifies for free and reduced price meals as a significant number of families live in poverty.
“Ultimately, the role of school food services has expanded beyond serving just lunches,” said Carol Chong, director of Food and Menu Management at Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “Providing students with nutritious meals assures that students are prepared to meet the academic challenges of the day. Hunger should not be a reason for low performance in the classroom.” To learn more about the Urban School Food Alliance, contact Tatum Wan, RL Public Relations, at 1-310-473-4422 or by email at <tatum.wan@rlpublicrelations.com>.
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Paintings show ‘Everybody eats at Pasta Del Giorno’ BY LEE STEPHENS
Internationally collected artist David Schor, who has his studio in Palmetto Bay, has completed the first of a series of paintings commissioned by Ariel Rodriguez, owner of Pasta Del Giorno Restaurant, located at 8739 SW 136 St., across from The Falls Shopping Center. The series, titled “Everybody Eats at Pasta Del Giorno!” will consist of a number of original paintings created by Schor, who is well known for his paintings for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami Children’s Hospital, the Rotary and the YMCA of the USA, all of which have also been published as limited editions. Unveiled recently at Pasta Del Giorno, Everybody Eats at Pasta Del Giorno No. 1 — Tony Soprano by Schor, shows Tony Soprano being served by another of the show’s characters, Arty Bucco. His wife, Carmella is across the table from Tony. “I am very excited to have been able to interest David Schor in painting a series of famous characters eating at our new restaurant,” Rodriguez said. “All original paint-
Everybody Eats at Pasta Del Giorno No. 1 — Tony Soprano by David Schor. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ings will be on permanent exhibition at Pasta Del Giorno and the public is invited to eat and enjoy the first of this series.” “Ariel and his staff have made Pasta Del Giorno a very different experience,” Schor said. “My wife, Olga, and I spend a great deal of time on location in Italy every year creating paintings for clients, and Pasta Del Giorno has the exuberant atmosphere of an intimate restaurant in Italy.” The concept for the series evolved as a result of discussions between the two men. “I have always felt that the best paintings are the result of a joining of the creative efforts of my clients and myself. This series evolved when Ariel and I discussed who should be depicted in one painting. As soon as the theme for ‘Everybody Eats at Pasta Del Giorno — Tony Soprano’ surfaced, the series was born,” Schor said. Diners can look forward to at least five paintings in the series. For more information about the Artist, visit <www.DavidSchor.com> or call 786443-3705. To contact Pasta Del Giorno, call 305969-0075.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
TotalBank donates manatee sculpture to Zoo Miami to promote conservation
Ron Magill, communications director and goodwill ambassador for Zoo Miami, (left) and Mel Martin, senior vice president and market manager at TotalBank, are pictured with the manatee sculpture. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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TotalBank recently donated the sculpture “Total Peace” by local artist MANO to Zoo Miami. The artwork, now situated just south of the zoo’s new Playworld Playground area, depicts a manatee with its offspring and originally graced the corner of Red Road and Sunset in front of TotalBank’s Red Sunset Banking Center. The sculpture was a part of the South Miami Manatee Fest, a public art event used to raise awareness for local natural resources, waterways, wildlife and aquatic treasures. TotalBank supports Zoo Miami’s com-
mitment to worldwide conservation and its efforts to heighten appreciation for the world’s wildlife in the children of our community. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St. General zoo admission is $15.95 plus tax per adult and $11.95 plus tax per child (3-12). Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. Parking is free. Annual pass holders and children 2 and under under are free. For more information on Zoo Miami, visit <www.zoomiami.org> or call 305251-0400. More information about TotalBank can be found at <www.totalbank.com>.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
USNA Women’s Glee Club performs at Westminster Christian School
U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen share their experiences with Westminster Christian Middle School students.
The U.S. Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club performs for Westminster Christian High School students. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY ANA M. POVEDA
The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Women’s Glee Club performed for Westminster Christian High School students, and then visited middle school classrooms and ate lunch with high school students to share their experiences at the Academy. Students were able to ask questions, and learned about the many opportunities available at the USNA.
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Beverley A. McGhee (left) recently received the 2012 Distinguished Educator Award at the Florida State University College of Education. The presentation was made by Dr. Marcy P. Driscoll, PhD, dean of College of Education at FSU. McGhee and her husband, Jim, founded the Alexander Montessori School in Miami in 1963 where her sons, James and Alex, and Dr. Joyce McGhee, are administrators. The Alexander Montessori School now has 570 students and 106 staff.
Sandra Fine named president of Miami Chapter of PRSA BY SHAWN WARMSTEIN
ing a leader in our field and we’re proud to have her represent rbb and the South Sandra Fine, APR, vice president of rbb Florida community among public relations Public Relations, a national marketing pub- professionals nationally.” Fine has managed several lic relations firm that champiaward-winning client camons breakout brands, has been paigns that have garnered the named president of the Public agency top recognition includRelations Society of America ing a Silver Anvil from the (PRSA) Miami Chapter. Public Relations Society of Fine has been a member of America for reputation/brand PRSA Miami since 2008. She management and a Gold previously was chair of the SABRE from the Holmes college relations committee, a Report for corporate reputation. board member at large, secreIn addition, she was named to tary and president-elect. Fine the PR News 2008 “15 to also is accredited in public Sandra Fine Watch” list, a national award relations (APR) by PRSA. –––––––––––––– given to 15 up-and-coming “As part of our employeedriven workplace, rbb strongly supports communications professionals under the community leadership and is committed to age of 30 who demonstrate outstanding helping current and future practitioners performance and a keen understanding of stay ahead of the curve in today’s ever- the profession beyond their years. Fine is the fourth member of rbb Public changing communications industry,” said rbb CEO and managing partner Christine Relations to lead a local PRSA Chapter. For more information about rbb, call 305Barney, a PRSA Miami past president. “Sandra has dedicated herself to becom- 448-7450 or visit <www.rbbpr.com>.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
HMS FARA season shifts into overdrive with inaugural event
Kendall Hyundai marketing director Mary Portela and general manager Steve Gutstein enjoy a day at the races. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY CARIDAD WEST
The Formula Automobile Racing Association (FARA) hit the track at Homestead Miami Speedway recently with the first in a series of races going into 2013. FARA sponsored the Inaugural International 500K Road Race to the gratitude of thousands of fans who watched 50 professional racing teams from all over the world compete on a picture-perfect day. President Tico Almeida founded 7-yearold FARA to bring together international professionals and gentleman racers, primarily from Latin America, to showcase their talent in South Florida. “As a former professional international racer and promoter I understand the formula to create a spectacular event for the public to enjoy,” Almeida said. “Miami is the gateway to Latin America and we have had great representation from the Americas at our events as well as racers from the United States like Jeff Segal, Dave Heinz and Bill Lester.” The overall winner of the 500K was Shane Lewis of the American Le Mans Series. After sealing his victory at the Homestead Miami Speedway 500K, Lewis went on to win the first endurance race of the 2013 season, the Dunlop 24-Hour Race in Dubai. “We had a beautiful and memorable 500K event to get the season started,” Almeida said. “We couldn’t have made it happen without major sponsor Kendall Hyundai.” Steve Gutstein, general manager of
Kendall Hyundai, and his team were out on race day welcoming guests and assisting with logistics. The 2-year-old community-oriented dealership invited honorary guest and young cancer survivor 7-yearold Evangeline Nieves of Cutler Bay and her family. “We were proud to be FARA’s main sponsor and look forward to future events,” Gutstein said. “The most memorable part of the day for me was seeing the smiles on Evangeline and her sister Antonella’s faces. What makes FARA different from your traditional racing associations is they really promote a familyfriendly atmosphere.” The Nieves family took the first lap in one of the two Kendall Hyundai Pace Cars on site, the 2013 Genesis Coupe two-door Sports Car Track Model six-cylinder with more than 300 horsepower. The Veloster Sensation three-door non-hatchback also was on the track for the opening race day series. FARA assistant director Alberto de las Casas said the racing season began firing on all cylinders and it only will get more entertaining as the tours continue at Homestead Miami Speedway. “The Winter Tour Race is coming up now on Feb. 23 and 24,” de las Casas said. “It is the PANAM GP Series where we will have 20 Formula 3 cars from Latin America as they begin their championship in the U.S. and then go on to Central America, Mexico, and South America.” For more information on FARA events visit farausa.com.
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Miami Urgent Care Center provides comprehensive family medical care BY NANCY EAGLETON
Under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Harris Mones, the medical team at Miami Urgent Care Center Medical Clinic in Coral Gables provides patients with expert care to treat illnesses commonly seen in a family physician’s office as well as most minor, non-life threatening conditions usually treated in hospital emergency rooms. Dr. Mones envisions his practice as a hybrid — combining family practice, urgent care and concierge-style services. As part of the center’s VIP (Very Important Patient) service level, the wellappointed medical center on Douglas Road accepts walk-in patients for same-day appointments and remains open extended hours, including Saturdays and Sundays. “Many patients come to us to receive ‘urgent care’ treatment because they do not have a primary care physician or they cannot get a timely appointment with their physician when they are sick or have a minor injury,” Dr. Mones said. “They are so pleased with the level of care and the convenience we offer, they continue to visit us for their general healthcare.” Dr. Mones has provided his cell phone number to his patients “since he started carrying a cell phone” and has made house calls to those unable to visit the office since he began practicing medicine. “No matter how good of a doctor you are, if you are not available to your patients when they need you, then you are not very good,” Dr. Mones said. “We are open early mornings, evenings and weekends and never say ‘no’ to our patients when they need us. We provide a level of service beyond that provided in a concierge-type practice — without charging a hefty yearly membership fee as is common in those types of practices.” That same level of service is provided to members in the new VIP Discount Medical
Membership plan — an affordable option for anyone without health insurance or those with high-deductible insurance plans or insufficient insurance coverage. The fee is $60 per month per person. The program includes many conveniences and services, including unlimited doctor and urgent care visits, with discounted co-pays and medication. Prompt attention is given to patients upon arrival to the center. Most patients are seen in less than one hour. To make the wait comfortable, Miami Urgent Care Center has flat-screen televisions in the waiting area and all exam rooms. Coffee and tea are offered and iPads are available for patient use. The beautiful 150-gallon live reef saltwater aquarium enhances the waiting area’s relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Mones is board certified in family practice and geriatrics and has more than 20 years of experience treating children and adults in Miami. He treats medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, gynecology, urology, orthopedics, pulmonary, travel medicine, pediatrics and geriatrics. His ability to offer a vast array of medical services to children and adults in one location saves patients time and money. “In most instances, our patients don’t have to visit labs, specialists and pharmacies after their visit. We perform complete diagnostic services, including X-rays, ultrasound and lab work. We also dispense many medications — most are less than $20,” Dr. Mones said. With Chiropractor Dr. Luis Enrique Orozco on staff, Miami Urgent Care is the only urgent care center in Miami offering emergency chiropractic care to its patients. In addition, three highly skilled and qualified physician assistants help Dr. Mones promptly treat minor medical emergencies such as lacerations, infections, wound care, sprains and minor broken bones. Patients can receive treatment for infections, rashes, sexually transmitted diseases
Dr. Harris Mones combines modern medical care with old-fashioned attention to enhance the patient experience at Miami Urgent Care Center Medical Clinic. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
and automobile and worker’s compensation injuries. Dr. Mones and his medical team perform immigration exams, employment physicals and flu and travel vaccinations, as well as school and camp physicals for children.
For a complete list of services, visit online at <www.DrMones.com> and <www.MiamiUrgentCare.com>. The center is located at 2645 SW 37 Ave., Suite 502. For more information or to make an appointment, call 305-494-0536.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
The Miami Foundation to award more than $1 million in grants BY JEANMARIE FERRARA
In its signature program for awarding dollars to nonprofits, the Miami Foundation is accepting applications for the 2013 Community Grants Program. Established in 1967, the program invests in quality and innovative organizations that strive to build a greater Miami. The foundation will review pre-proposals and invite selected organizations to complete full proposals. The deadline to submit a pre-proposal is Thursday, Feb. 7, by 4 p.m. Last year, the Community Grants Program awarded more than $1 million to support 62 nonprofits in Greater Miami. “These grants are made possible by generous philanthropists in our community and allow us to address emerging needs throughout Miami,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation. “From youth and homeless programs to the arts and social services, the causes supported are as diverse as Miami-Dade’s community. We invite all local nonprofits that share our vision for a better Miami to apply.” Pre-proposals for the 2013 Safe Passage grant program also are being accepted and are due by Wednesday, Feb. 13, by 4 p.m.
Safe Passage grants support nonprofits that help young people make the challenging transition from foster care to living independently. These grants, totaling $200,000, are made possible through the generosity of the DadeFund, an endowment established by Hugh Westbrook and Esther Colliflower in 1992. Guidelines and pre-proposal applications can be found on The Miami Foundation’s website at <www.miamifoundation.org> in the “Community” section. For additional information, contact Marianne Maduro, senior program officer, at 305-357-2087 or via email at <mmaduro@miamifoundation.org>. Established in 1967, The Miami Foundation has helped hundreds of people create personal, permanent and powerful legacies by establishing custom, charitable funds. With foundation expertise, fund holders have fostered the arts, awarded scholarships, championed diversity, taught children to read, provided food and shelter for the hungry and homeless, and more. More than $150 million in grants and scholarships have been awarded in the foundation’s 45-year history. Today, the foundation is steward to more than $160 million in charitable assets.
2012 Community Grants grantee Shake-A-Leg Miami received $15,000 furthering its mission to provide people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth opportunities to use the marine environment to improve their health, education and independence in an inclusive community setting. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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NEW DANCE STUDIO OPENS IN PINECREST Maria Verdeja School of the Arts After 25 years of teaching dance in Miami, Maria Verdeja School of the Arts has opened a brand new studio in Pinecrest on January 18. This facility is the fourth location for the school, joining studios in Coral Gables, Kendall and Key Biscayne. In addition, MVSA teaches afterschool dance in seven local elementary schools, bringing the school’s total number of students to over 700. Owner Maria Verdeja has become a local institution in the dance world, having now taught three generations of dancers who have performed at the annual Coral Gables Tree Lighting event, Key Biscayne Winterfest, the Three Kings parade, numerous charity events throughout the year, and the school’s centerpiece End of Year Show held at the Gusman Theater every Spring. The Pinecrest studio is a completely new 3100 sq. ft. facility, located at 8181 S.W. 117 St, at the site of the old Mercantile bank. If all goes according to plan, the school will expand next year to include another 1500 sq. ft. once the property next door becomes available, making space available for up to 350 students. A classically trained ballerina, Verdeja was born and raised in Coral Gables and is a first generation Cuban American,. She started dancing ballet at the age of 5 and rapidly progressed in skill and technique, training with the late Martha Mahr, and eventually finishing as the top American dancer in the Prix de Lausanne competition in 1983. After graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in Education, she joined the Miami City Ballet in its inaugural year, and then two years later left to open her own dance school in 1987. In addition to classical ballet, the school teaches other dance forms such as Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Flamenco and Hip-hop, and also offers music lessons on a private basis. While concentrating in children’s dance education, adult classes in dance, fitness and Zumba are also held during the day “My goal”, says Verdeja, “is to reach as many children as I can and introduce them to the beauty of dance. Our philosophy is to make dance a fun, fulfilling and healthy activity for kids which will become something that they will carry forward into their adulthood. Not every child will become a professional dancer, but we have specialized classes and advanced programs designed for those young dancers who have the talent and dedication to pursue that goal, and over the years, several of our dancers have made it into professional companies” Recently, dancers from MVSA have won first prize for Jazz at National Competitions in Las Vegas and the Gold Medal for Classical Ballet at the American Dance Competition in Daytona Beach, and have been accepted to prestigious summer dance programs for aspiring young professional dancers. “May we all dance through life” is Verdeja’s motto, and she tries to live up to it every day. “I am so grateful to our wonderful staff of professional teachers, some of whom were among my original students at the beginning. Every day walking along the street I see current students, former students who are now parents of students and even grandparents, who remind me what a positive impact dance has had in their lives. Nothing makes me happier in my own life than to know that I have been able to give them something so beautiful and lasting, and I hope to continue on for many years to come.”
8181 S.W. 117 St. Pinecrest, FL 305.448.6717 • www.mariaverdejadance.com
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February 5 - 18, 2013
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This app makes it easy to quickly submit case information to Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. for a free consultation and attorney review. The app also features instant contact options like live texting with the law office, push-button calling and case information submission. “We represent many car accident injury victims, and saw a need for a simple, straightforward way to record all the vital details at the scene of the accident, before memories fade,” says Mitchell Panter, co-founder of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. Studies show people overestimate their ability to remember things accurately; Accident Assistant will help improve retention. “Knowledge is power and we’d like to help those in this kind of stressful situation retain as much as possible,” adds Brett Panter, co-founder. “One of the best features of the app is communication. You’re texting with your attorney’s office in the moment; you can’t get better service than that,” says partner David Sampedro. This is the first app offered by Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. To learn more about the app or to download it, search for “Panter Law app” in iTunes or Google Play. Additional information about Panter, Panter & Sampedro is available at Panterlaw.com. “Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Years”
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February 5 - 18, 2013
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February 5 - 18, 2013
World Business Brokers continues leadership in mergers, acquisitions BY JUANITA GOLDEN
handle the businesses of our clients and pre qualify buyers.” While daunting terms like “fiscal cliff” World Business Brokers allows clients and “debt ceiling” get bandied around to confidentially explore opportunities Washington, DC, in sunny South Florida, without any chance of leaks or breaches in World Business Brokers has seen double confidentiality occurring, according to the activity in the first Schuster. month of 2013 and con“One of the biggest tinues its ascension as one decisions a business perof the nation’s leading son will make is the sellmergers and acquisitions ing of their company,” firms serving a diverse Schuster said. “We are an international clientele established intermediary since 1970. with a long term track “World Business record. We take pride in Brokers has handled over alleviating the burden of a billion dollars worth of negotiating an exit stratetransactions in the past 45 gy for families preparing years,” said WBBI execufor retirement, or assisttive vice president ing entrepreneurs in new Michael Schuster. “What market potential.” our success means to the President of WBB prospective business sellSena said Miami is “the er is that we have a data international melting pot base of over 14,000 preof money and therefore Michael Schuster ––––––––––––––––––––––– qualified buyers from business continues its around the world to choose from, many of uptick in the new year because we are the whom are repeat buyers with multiple Gateway to the Americas and beyond. businesses.” Multiples being paid for businesses are at Schuster is a University of Miami grad- their highest level. One business just uate who majored in finance and trans- recently sold for 14 times its net income. portation. He comes from a family of suc- Demand for businesses is a direct result of cessful entrepreneurs and now a proven a high supply of buyers seeking businessintermediary. When Schuster joined WBBI es. We have more buyers than sellers.” and president Dean Sena, he brought more World Business Brokers is currently than 25 years of experience in executive opening satellite offices in Boca Raton, management as a former CFO, as well as Fort Myers, Naples and Tampa under the an extensive real estate background. leadership of Schuster while founder and “We are not a franchise,” Schuster said. president Sena continues to manage the “We are one of the only brokers in the state Miami home office. of Florida who have their own database of For more information on World global buyers through its affiliate offices Business Brokers Inc. contact Dean Sena around the world. What keeps us in busi- at 305-670-6565 or send email to <worldness is the secret service nature of how we brokers@aol.com>.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
BRIO Tuscan Grille to open new location at The Falls BY DUREE ROSS
BRIO Tuscan Grille, a BRAVO | BRIO Restaurant Group (BBRG) concept, is opening a new location at The Falls. The restaurant, the 11th BRIO Tuscan Grille in Florida, is slated to open late February. BRIO (meaning “lively” or “full of life”) is an upscale, affordable restaurant serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine. It brings the pleasure of the Tuscan country villa to the American city. The subtitle, “Tuscan Grille,” is descriptive of the menu that features oven-roasted steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pastas, flatbreads and entrée salads, similar to what one would find in an authentic ristorante in Tuscany. BRIO also offers an ample dessert menu, full wine list and cocktail book. BRIO’s motto is fashioned after the Tuscan philosophy of “To eat well is to live well.” By opening the restaurant at The Falls, BRIO is creating 90 full- and part-time jobs including assistant managers, sous chef, prep/line cooks, wait staff, dishwashers, hosts/hostesses and bartenders. Just a few of the delicious menu items at BRIO at The Falls include Bruschetta Quattro, Bistecca Insalata, Tuscan Harvest Salad, Tuscan-Grilled Pork Chops, Chicken Limone, Gorgonzola-Crusted Filet, Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno, Grilled Salmon Salad, Pasta BRIO, Pasta Alla Vodka, Beef Carpaccio, Grilled Mahi Mahi Fresca, Tiramisu and Torta Di Cioccolata. Additional offerings at BRIO at The Falls will be the Bellini Brunch, available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the $3.95 Tuscan Taster bar menu, which will feature standouts such as Shrimptini (shrimp cocktail), Beef Carpaccio, BRIO Burger, and much more. The Tuscan Taster menu, available in the bar only, will be available Monday–Friday
from 3 to 7 p.m. and Monday–Thursday from 9 p.m. until closing. Every Wednesday, in the bar only, guests will enjoy $5 Martini Night for select martinis from 4 p.m. until closing. Every Monday–Friday during Tuscan Taster hours, BRIO will offer $5 drink specials on select wines, sangria and martinis. The restaurant also will offer a special children’s menu, family-style pans-to-go for off-site catered special events and business occasions, and online ordering. The new 7,672-square-foot restaurant, located at 8888 SW 136 St., will offer indoor seating for 184 guests, and al fresco dining for up to 98 on an Italian-style terrace. The bar area will seat 25. BRIO’s villa-like interior features details such as antique, hardwood Cypress flooring, arched colonnades, hand-crafted Italian mosaics, antique doors, hand-crafted walls covered in an antique Venetian plaster, Arabescato marble-imported from Italy, and sizable wrought-iron chandeliers. BRIO at The Falls’ general manager is Ryan Glendy; the executive chef is Rojelio Fernandez. BRIO at The Falls will be open seven days a week: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Reservations will be accepted and walk-ins welcomed. “BRIO has enjoyed great success in the Florida market, and we’re excited to bring this upscale, affordable restaurant to The Falls,” said Saed Mohseni, CEO and president, BRAVO | BRIO Restaurant Group Inc. “We’re confident that BRIO will be an excellent restaurant choice for those visiting The Falls, local residents and area businesses.” Currently, there are 55 BRIO Tuscan Grille restaurants located nationwide. For additional information, visit online at <www.brioitalian.com>.
Variety of musical entertainment on tap Friday nights at The Falls BY ALICIA WHITLEY
The Falls, 8888 SW 136 St., will host local musical sensations with a variety of styles to suit every taste each Friday night, 6-9 p.m., during February with the month-long “Fridays at The Falls.” Feb. 8 — Steve Duell, a guitarist and vocalist with a love of the cool sounds of the Florida Keys, will be showcasing his musical talents.
Duell will take you away with a selection of Margaritaville influenced music. Feb. 15 — Frank Hubbell, a Dixieland Band that features jazz and an extensive repertoire of patriotic music and everyone’s favorite old-time tunes Feb. 22 — Seven Mile Bridge, allows listeners to relive the best decades of Rock ‘n Roll and pop music with the classic sounds of the 1950s to ’80s.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
Local women invited to bid on Miami’s most eligible bachelors BY YUDI FERNANDEZ
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, more than 50 of Miami’s most eligible bachelors will take the stage in a live auction with more than 400 women bidding for a chance to take them on a date, all while supporting a great cause. Switchboard of Miami’s Women’s Leadership Council, in partnership with Brickell Magazine, presents “Singles for Switchboard,” the second annual bachelor auction to raise funds for Switchboard’s programs and services. Founded in 1968, the Miami-based non-profit is the area’s leading provider of telephone counseling, information, referrals, mental health and crisis intervention services. “Singles for Switchboard” will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Conrad Hotel Miami, 1395 Brickell Ave., Level 25, in Brickell. The dynamic event will feature a live auction with hundreds of professional and beautiful women bidding for a date with many of Miami’s most handsome and accomplished bachelors. Hosted by Karent Sierra, a cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Miami television series, the event promises to be full
of fun, surprises and the opportunity to meet a match. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music and great prizes. “After a very successful inaugural bachelor auction last year, we are very excited about our second annual event which gives Miami bachelors and bachelorettes a chance to mingle, network and connect, while raising funds for Switchboard of Miami,” said Erbi Blanco-True, Switchboard of Miami Board member and chair of Switchboard’s Women Leadership Council. Ms. Blanco-True came up with the event idea because her single friends were looking for ways to meet professional men, and she was looking for unique ways to raise funds. “The real motivating force of this event is knowing funds raised will directly benefit the hundreds of individuals Switchboard helps on a daily basis.” she said. Tickets for the event cost $45 for women and $75 for men and guests can register online. Registration at the door will cost $60 women and $90 men. For additional event details, visit <www.switchboardmiami.org>.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Top 5 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids BY SUSSET CABRERA
Play Outdoors — It is important for children to play outdoors to help them Valentine’s Day is the time of year when develop their bodies while exercising at the children can experience and learn the same time. Turn their favorite outdoor importance of showing kindness towards activities into a Valentine’s Day-themed game. For example, children may play a others. While parents are busy planning their “Heart Scavenger Hunt” which is a great own romantic evening or getaway, they way for them to exert energy, to exercise sometimes forget about incorporating their and to enjoy the local environment. Invite their Friends Over — Play dates children into their plans. To help make Valentine’s Day a memorable and enjoy- help children develop their social skills. Invite their friends able holiday for over for any of the every family, activities menRachel Charlupski, tioned above and founder of The make sure to Babysitting maintain close Company, has creatsupervision. ed a list of her “Top Parents also may 5 Ways to Celebrate read Valentine’s Valentine’s Day Day books to the with Children.” group of children Valentine’s Day is and give each a great opportunity child a Valentine’s to spend quality Day goodie bag time not only with filled with tasty your significant treats, Valentine’s other or spouse but Day cards and with your children. their favorite book By creating a fun inside. and interactive Encourage agenda around Volunteering — Valentine’s Day, There is no greater children can take act of kindness part in simple activRachel Charlupski than giving to othities that instill valu––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ers. Bring your able social and creative skills. Charlupski recommends the children along with you to visit a homeless following ways to celebrate Valentine’s shelter or deliver Valentine’s Day cards to a nearby elderly center. These experiences Day with children: Cook Valentine’s Day Treats — Allow show children to care about others in their your children to help you prepare community while giving back. By taking part in some of these Valentine’s Day-themed recipes such as cupcakes, cookies or other tasty desserts. Valentine’s Day activities, parents will be Select recipes that can be followed easily. able to create lasting memories with their Incorporate holiday toppings to your children. Once parents are ready to take recipes and play festive music while they some time off, Rachel Charlupski recommix. Children feel a sense of accomplish- mends hiring a trustworthy and experiment and pride with the end result, plus enced babysitter to take care of your chilthey love to decorate and personalize their dren. Her company matches highly reliable, fun and energetic babysitters to parown treats. Create Valentine’s Cards — Ask your ents’ needs and requests. By providing parchildren to help you gather materials from ents with a sense of security and a profesnature or from your local crafts store to cre- sional child care experience, the babysitters ate and design your own Valentine’s Day truly help make Valentine’s a more enjoycards. By having your children write their able day for the entire family. For more information on Rachel own messages inside of each card for their friends and family members, you are help- Charlupski or The Babysitting Company, ing promote their creative writing skills. visit <www.TheBabysittingCompany.com> The cards even may be mailed to long dis- or send email to <rachel@thebabysittingcompany.com>. tance relatives if prepared ahead of time.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
‘Moonlight and Music’ Valentine’s Day Concert scheduled at Deering Estate BY CATHY GUERRA
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the 14th annual “Moonlight and Music” Valentine’s Day Concert at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave., on Thursday, Feb 14. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and the gate opens at 7 p.m. This year’s concert will feature world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter Allan Harris. Harris is best known for his interpretations of jazz standards, but his smooth vocals and guitar style easily cross genres, from jazz to rock to blues. There also will be an opening performance by jazz pianist and singer Ariel Pocock, a University of Miami sophomore. The annual Valentine’s Day Concert at the Deering Estate at Cutler offers guests the opportunity to celebrate their love at a romantic, outdoor concert under the stars on the edge of Biscayne Bay. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and small picnic baskets, but no coolers are permitted. Refreshments and food will be available for an additional fee. Ms. Cheezious and gastroPod food trucks will be onsite as well as Crepemaker. Chef David Schwadron Catering and Joanna’s Marketplace are the official picnic providers for the Deering Estate at Cutler and can be contacted directly for preordered
meals. Call 305-238-5881 for Chef David Schwadron Catering and 305-661-5777 for Joanna’s Marketplace. Concert tickets are $20 and can be purchased online for an additional fee or by calling the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305235-1668, ext. 233. The ticket office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are nonrefundable, rain or shine. The Valentine’s Day Concert begins the annual Deering Estate Festival of the Arts (formerly known as the SoBay Festival of the Arts) with events and programs held from Feb. 14-24. The 10-day celebration features literary, visual and performance art at the historic estate. Some of the events and programs include a curated exhibition, Speak Now, which places artistic interjections throughout the grounds; one-night only art events; classical and chamber ensemble concerts; a Curator’s tour, and a spectacular closing Red Carpet Wrap-Up are just some of the cultural experiences offered. For information on the “Moonlight and Music” Valentine’s Day Concert or the Deering Estate Festival of the Arts, visit <www.deeringestate.org> or call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-2351668, ext. 233.
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‘Second Chance Dinner, Auction’ to benefit Born Free Pet Shelter
February 5 - 18, 2013
Miami-Dade Animal Services presents pet adoption event BY XIOMARA MORDCOVICH
You can help dogs like Brinny and Logan. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY CHRISTY MIRA while supporting a great cause. Born Free
Born Free Pet Shelter is having its annual “Second Chance Dinner and Silent Auction” on Saturday, Mar. 2, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Key Biscayne Beach Club, 685 Ocean Dr., Key Biscayne. Enjoy dinner, deejay and Bacardi Bar
Pet Shelter is a “no kill” dog shelter dedicated to providing food, shelter and medical services to homeless dogs. It also does outreach to find permanent homes for the dogs. Dinner seats are $100 per person. Contact Lucille at 305 372-5191 or send email to <bornfreeshelter@gmail.com>.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department invites the community to celebrate Open Your Heart and Your Home Pet Adoption Event, from Feb. 9 to 17. This festive adoption celebration of pets, life, loyalty, and above all, love, will take place at the Animal Services Shelter, 7401 NW 74 St. The shelter opens seven days a week; hours of operation vary weekdays and weekends. Visit <www.miamidade.gov/animals> for specific hours. Open Your Heart and Your Home Pet Adoption Celebration will give pet lovers the opportunity to adopt dogs and cats who are in need of a loving home for life. You will find a lot more than a pet; you will find true unconditional love and loyalty. The event is free and open to the public. Adoption Gift Certificates also are available. If you are thinking about giving a pet to someone as a present, you may purchase an Adoption Gift Certificate so they
choose the best pet for their lifestyle. Donation Gift Certificates are ideal presents for any occasion. It’s the perfect gift for everyone and a gift that will help the shelter animals.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
20th annual ‘Kite Day’ coming to Haulover Park on Feb. 17 BY LAURA PHILLIPS
Colorful kites of all shapes and sizes will fill the skies over Haulover Park on Sunday, Feb. 17, from noon to 5 p.m., for the park’s 20th annual “Kite Day,” presented by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Skyward Kites. This year’s event will spotlight “Kites of the Caribbean” — an exhibit by local kite makers representing the styles and traditions of Caribbean kite flyers from such countries as Cuba, Haiti and Trinidad. Visitors will see a returning display of colossal kites, including a 150-foot rainbow, a 100-foot squid, a 30-foot scuba man and a 30-foot “Nemo” fish. The familystyle event also will feature free kite competitions and kite-building classes for all ages, as well as music, food and refreshments available for purchase.
Event-goers are encouraged to come out to fly their kites, attend a kite-making class and make their own paper kites for free. Kites also will be available for purchase starting at $5. Kite competitions will include prizes for the best homemade kites, highest flying kites, prettiest kites, and kites with the longest tails. Those who just want to sit and watch the festivities may bring a blanket. Shoes with socks are recommended for running around on the grassy field. Haulover Park is located at 10800 Collins Ave. Festival admission is free; parking is $6. For more information about Kite Day and other kiting activities at Haulover Park, contact Dan Ward at Skyward Kites, 305893-0906. For directions and information about Haulover Park, visit <www.miamidade.gov/parks> or call 305-947-3525.
www.communitynewspapers.com
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February 5 - 18, 2013
Hyundai Genesis Sport Coupe is redesigned, more powerful Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS The Hyundai Genesis Sport Coupe has been redesigned significantly for 2013 and more power added to both engine options. The rear-drive Genesis Coupe continues with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs for a classic wedge-like profile and a bodyside character line in an innovative “Z” shape design. It integrates seamlessly with a drop-beltline rear window, while the arching roofline and tapering cab highlight the profile and emphasize the broad shoulders and wide stance. The refreshed styling gives the Genesis Coupe a more menacing look, with an aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and a hood with heat extractor cues. The side view shows aggressive new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs with deeper sculpting, while the rear taillights have LED illumination and new contours.
Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with the blackout rear diffuser complete the performance message. But it’s the increased power that has auto lovers talking. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets sophisticated new direct-injection technology, while the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine upgrades to a more precise twinscroll turbocharger. Automatic transmissions for both engines now have eightspeeds, with paddle-shift Shiftronic manual capability. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V-6 with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) now has 348 hp — a gain of 42 hp over the previous version — and clocks 0-60 mph in the low five-second range, with an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph. The engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency and features durable, quiet timing chains with no scheduled maintenance. Even better, it runs on regular fuel. Not to be outdone by its big brother, the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder substitutes a new twinscroll design for its turbocharger in addition to a larger intercooler with enhanced thermal efficiency. The twin-scroll design
Refreshed styling gives the Genesis Coupe a more menacing look, with an aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, fog lights and a hood with heat extractor cues. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
is more efficient at recovering exhaust energy and produces cooler cylinder temperatures than the former single-scroll design. It also is more precise, with improved combustion efficiency, reduced turbo lag, leaner air/fuel ratios and more evenly distributed pressure in the exhaust ports, resulting in simultaneous power, efficiency and emissions improvements. Also, a 53 percent larger intercooler further reduces intake temperatures, providing denser, cooler air to develop even more power. The engine also benefits from Dual
CVVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts and now generates 274 hp (a 30 percent increase) and 275 pounds-feet of torque. Pricing on the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Sport Coupe ranges from $24,250 to $33,000. Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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February 5 - 18, 2013
South Miami Audiology Consultants are your hearing healthcare professionals BY NANCY EAGLETON
Full Service Pain Management Care
Accepting New Patients Kiley Reynolds, D.O. Interventional Pain Management Physician Board Certified and Fellowship Trained
American Board of Anesthesiology 8200 SW 117th Avenue, Suite 312, Miami, FL 33183
www.superiorpainsolutions.com Ph: 305.595.7246 Fax: 305 595 7242
Hearing loss is an increasing health concern in the U.S., affecting more than 36 million American adults. In many cases, hearing loss is preventable. Audiologists Cindy Simon, Au.D., and Andrea Pernick, Au.D., of South Miami Audiology Consultants, have cared for their patients’ general hearing health for more than 30 years. To better serve their patients, the pair relocated their South Miami practice to One Cindy Simon, Au.D., (left) and Andrea Pernick, Au.D., of 7000 Place in 2011, and moved South Miami Audiology Consultants are committed to into their newly renovated third- helping their patients take good care of their hearing. floor suite last fall. Drs. Simon and Pernick provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatment options, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation, for infants, children and adults. They also treat patients experiencing dizziness and those suffering from tinnitus or misophonia. “Many people tend to ignore hearing issues and don’t receive the assistance they need,” Dr. Pernick said. “Hearing loss can affect people’s lives at work and home, and lead people to withdraw from social situations.” If you think your hearing is deteriorating, the doctors recommend seeking treatment early. “If left untreated, you can lose the ability to understand words and tolerate sounds,” said Dr. Simon. “It’s easier to adapt to hearing aids when the hearing loss is minimal.” This is not your grandfather's hearing aid. Today’s advanced technology digital hearing aids are small, sleek and super high-tech, offering superior sound quality and improved clarity. The tiny devices fit behind the ear and have a virtually invisible wire that wraps around and goes into the ear. Some hearing aids now connect wirelessly and seamlessly to cell and landline phones, TVs, computers and other electronic devices. “Today’s hearing aids come in colors to match the color of your hair or eyeglasses. They are even waterproof and can be worn in the shower,” said Dr. Simon. Drs. Simon and Pernick also help their patients obtain special devices and services that improve their quality of life. CaptionCall, a speech telephone available to the community from the FCC, is easy to operate and displays every word of a telephone conversation in real time on its seven-inch screen. Hearing aids, noise generators and other high-tech combination devices may also be used to treat people with tinnitus or misophonia. Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ear, affects as many as 85 percent of people with hearing loss. People who have misophonia are most commonly annoyed, or even enraged, by such ordinary sounds as other people chewing, breathing, sneezing, yawning, snoring or coughing or other repetitive sounds. This condition can cause intense anxiety and lead to decreased socialization. To help people protect their hearing and avoid hearing loss, the licensed/certified audiologists also provide custom-fitted ear protection to those who are exposed to loud noise. In other words, don’t rely on drugstore earplugs to protect your hearing. “These custom-fitted earplugs still allow you to hear high-quality sound – just at a comfortable and safe level,” Dr. Pernick said. The doctors recommend everyone over age 50 receive a baseline hearing test. When patients visit South Miami Audiology Consultants, they will experience a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a new suite that houses state-of-the-art audiology diagnostic equipment. Visitors will also enjoy the building’s amenities, which include renovated common areas and elevators and covered parking that attaches to each floor of the building, allowing easy access to the many healthcare practitioners who call One 7000 Place home. “We provide quality care in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere,” said Dr. Simon. “Our patients are seen quickly, with very little wait time. We take the time to get to know our patients – and they become like family.” South Miami Audiology Consultants is located at 7000 SW 62 Ave., Suite 315. For more information, call 305-663-0505 or visit www.SouthMiamiAuidiology.com. For more information on One 7000 Place, managed by Healthcare Realty, contact Wayne E. Stringer, president, Stringer Realty Services, Inc., at 305-772-2801.
February 5 - 18, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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February 5 - 18, 2013
Strong Sales at East Ridge at Cutler Bay Show Positive Economic Recovery By Sharon Galler The East Ridge at Cutler Bay retirement community is experiencing renewed interest by customers and substantially higher sales which are strong indicators of improving economic conditions in southwest Miami-Dade County. According to Brad Hunter, chief economist and national director of consulting for Metrostudy, sellers are able to sell their homes much more quickly in the southwestern Miami-Dade neighborhoods these days and this empowers seniors with more mobility and more choices. “Sales in 2012 of East Ridge residences are four times higher than sales in 2011,”said Rick Drew, director of sales. “In previous years we were encountering customers who wanted to move to East Ridge but couldn’t sell their homes. There simply weren’t new buyers in the market despite interest.” When seniors decide they want a lifestyle change, their ability to sell an existing home rather than draw on their investments and savings significantly affects their decision. East Ridge now offers relocation services with many customers taking advantage of the oppor-
tunity. By using qualified real estate consultants, customers have a more realistic expectation of current home values, guidance in selling their home and are able to have their homes sell more quickly. “The concept of East Ridge lifestyle is more widely accepted since seniors want to be assured of their future care as well as have the opportunity to enjoy the social aspects the community offers,”added Drew. East Ridge is a life care community, designed for seniors who are living independently but want the security of future healthcare services including assisted and skilled nursing care.The average entry fees start at $98,000 for a one-bedroom residence and residents have freedom from home maintenance and the added security of onsite health services. East Ridge is also reinvesting in the 50 yearold community. Drew said that since 2011, over $4 million has been invested in community-wide improvements, including a new Wellness Center which offers residents state-of-the-art spa amenities, equipment and services. “From fitness training and classes to one-on-
one personal training, we felt it was critical to offer top notch wellness facilities which would attract new buyers,” said Drew. “The response has been overwhelming. Our customers now are requesting to see the Wellness Center before they see our models. This is clearly indicating today’s seniors are placing much more emphasis on active aging and wellness.” An extensive renovation and rehabilitation program has involved public buildings’ exteriors which will be followed by interior improvements including the Lifestyle Center and auditorium.The community is being updated to blend with the Key West architecture style that was initially inEast Ridge at Cutler Bay, a lifecare community in Miamitroduced in the Wellness Center design. Also, residential residences are being updated Dade, is experiencing renewed interest by customers. as they as they are sold. Exterior improvements fixtures and raised electrical outlets. “Residents have the advantage of living in a include replacing and added screened patio enclosures, front entry doors and new windows. A new home while enjoyed the benefits of an estotal home makeover is involved with interior tablished community,”said Drew. East Ridge at Cutler Bay offers monthly eduspace being completely gutted. Bathrooms and kitchens incorporate aging-in- cational events that are open to the public. For place features such as raised vanities and water information or for a personal tour, please call closets. Each residence will have new appliances, (305) 256-3564 or visit their website at cabinets and countertops as well as new lighting www.eastridgeatcutlerbay.com
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DREWKERN
OPENING DOORS TO SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE As a second generation real estate professional, and a Miami native, I have an intimate understanding of our local market. Let me help guide you through the sometimes turbulent waters of buying and selling your most valuable asset. The process should be easy and enjoyable when you have the assistance of the right professional.
NEW LISTING
4821 Ronda St Exquisitely updated 4 bdrm/3 br, 3,250 sq ft home on quiet Coral Gables street. Expansive eat-in kitchen, spacious family room, living room & dining room. Pristine Oak hard wood floors throughout. Lush landscaping on large, 11,886 sq ft lot. Impact windows and doors. 2 car garage.
$975,000 17070 SW 74 Pl Tastefully updated 4 bdrm/3.5 bath, 3,700 sq ft home in gated community of Old Cutler Palms in Palmetto Bay. Beautiful kitchen, expansive living areas, great for entertaining. Lush landscaping surrounds private pool and home on just over 17,200 sq ft lot. 3 car garage. $725,000
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19825 SW 87 Ct Well-maintained 3 bedroom/2 bathroom, over 2,000 sq ft home in Cutler Bay. Large living areas. Tile floor and carpet throughout. Eat-in kitchen overlooks screened in patio on a beautifully landscaped, 9,520 sq ft lot. 2 car garage
$215,000 2756 Day Ave #403 Great opportunity for young professionals or investors. 2 bdrm/ 2 bath condo in secure & gated, Grove Haus building. Updated kitchen. Laminate flooring throughout. 1 assigned parking space. 1 block from Biscayne Bay. Walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Coconut Grove. $235,000
10820 SW 74 Ct
NEW LISTING
4 bdrm/ 2 bath, well-kept home on a wide, canal front lot in Pinecrest. Ready for your updates. Formal dining and living room. Large kitchen overlooks partially covered brick patio and pool. Beautifully landscaped including a screened-in orchid house. Shutters throughout. 2 car garage.
$674,900
10740 SW 121 St Lovely 3 bdrm/ 2 bath family home in the Pine Shores community. Bright and spacious kitchen with lots of storage and room for a large eat-in area or den. Formal living & dining rooms. Private fenced backyard with covered patio and pool. 2 car garage.
$385,000
364 SW 19 Rd Beautifully renovated Old Spanish home in The Roads. 3 bdrm/2 bath with 2,374 sq ft of living area, on a 6,750 sq ft lot. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite countertops, and wood cabinetry. Indoor laundry. French doors lead to patio overlooking landscaped backyard and work shed.
SOLD
$495,000
1900 Pizarro St Mediterranean style home in Coral Gables! 4 bdrm/ 3 bath, built in 1989. Renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite counter tops and stainless appliances. One bdrm & full bath downstairs. Great for entertaining w/ courtyard off dining room and pavered patio in backyard. 1.5 car garage. $724,900/For rent $4,500 per month
ESSLINGER WOOTEN MAXWELL, INC., REALTORS 305.329.7744 â&#x20AC;˘ KERN.D@EWM.COM â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.DREWKERN.COM
SOLD
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